Judicial Affairs Officer

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Position Title: Judicial Affairs Officer
Location: Bangui
Country: Central African Republic
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The UN is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. MINUSCA was established to support the Central African Republic in its transition towards peace and stability, focusing on various aspects including the rule of law, human rights, and the protection of civilians. The UN employs thousands of staff members across various countries, working in diverse fields to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Judicial Affairs Officer at the P-4 level plays a crucial role in leading the planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the Justice and Corrections Section within MINUSCA. This position requires a deep understanding of the rule of law and the functioning of judicial systems, particularly in transitional or post-conflict settings. The officer will provide strategic advice to senior management, coordinate activities across various mission components, and ensure that the justice and legal systems are effectively developed and reformed. The role also involves extensive legal research, policy formulation, and the promotion of knowledge management within the mission, ensuring that local actors are included in judicial initiatives. The officer will be expected to work under pressure and manage complex, sensitive issues related to judicial affairs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Judicial Affairs Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Developing and implementing strategies related to the rule of law, focusing on ordinary courts and legal systems.
• Serving as the primary expert in planning and reporting within the Justice and Corrections Section.
• Providing policy and operational advice to senior management.
• Coordinating and directing work teams, supervising junior officers, and managing the workload of the unit.
• Ensuring an integrated approach among various mission components and UN entities.
• Promoting knowledge management and information sharing.
• Conducting legal research and preparing reports and studies.
• Providing technical advice to local commissions and committees.
• Managing programmatic and administrative tasks, including budget preparation and staff performance evaluation. 1
• Monitoring the implementation of the Section's workplan and performance indicators.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in law, with a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience for those with a master's degree, or nine years for those with a bachelor's degree. This experience should include at least five years in roles such as a practicing lawyer, prosecutor, judge, or legal consultant. Additionally, candidates must have at least one year of experience in reporting and strategic planning, as well as one year of on-the-ground experience in judicial affairs or related fields in a transitional or post-conflict setting. Experience with UN planning processes and coordination in peacekeeping operations is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required, or a bar qualification. A first-level university degree combined with relevant academic qualifications or legal experience in justice or rule of law assistance may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a master's degree, or nine years for those with a bachelor's degree. This experience must include significant roles in the field of justice, such as practicing law or providing legal advice, with a focus on judicial systems and reforms. Candidates should also have experience working in transitional or post-conflict environments, ideally outside their country of nationality.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must be able to produce written texts in English with minimal editing required prior to publication.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a 'Recruit from Roster' job opening, meaning it is only available to candidates who are already on pre-approved rosters. Eligible applicants will receive an email invitation to apply. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.